Warriors’ Charles Bassey calls out Rockets’ Marcus Smart after punch thrown: ‘Fake toughness’

Marcus Smart was ejected after throwing a punch at Charles Bassey during Houston’s 115-108 win over Golden State. The punch missed, and the players were separated before the incident escalated; Bassey remained calm on court and later criticised Smart’s conduct.

The two had tangled while contesting a rebound in the third quarter, then continued arguing as play moved up court. Bassey said Smart had grabbed his hand and knee and accused him of playing dirty throughout the game. He suggested Smart was trying to get himself ejected, an interpretation Smart did not address in the article.